Al-Hajji and Bushel: We Deserve Criticism and Qualification is the Best Response

Saudi national team players Alaa Al-Hajji and Nawaf Boushal have put the loss against Spain behind them, emphasizing that their full focus is now on the crucial match against Cape Verde in the third round of the 2026 World Cup.

The "Green" team is preparing for a crucial match where victory is the only option to keep their hopes alive for advancing to the round of 32 in the Group H competitions.

Nawaf Boushal said: "The match against Spain is over with its good and bad, and our focus is now on the upcoming encounter. Our goal is to make the fans happy and secure the qualification spot."

He added: "The best response to criticism is to win and qualify, and we will work with all our strength to achieve that and bring joy to the Saudi fans."

For his part, Alaa Al-Hajji said: "We will turn the page on the last match, and ahead of us is a match that is like a final. We aim to achieve victory and secure the qualification ticket."

He continued: "The criticism directed at us is understandable and deserved, but we have enough experience to overcome the pressure, and our goal now is to make up for it in the next match."

On the organizational front, the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) assigned the management of the match to French referee François Letexier, in a game taking place at Houston Stadium early Saturday morning Mecca time.

The Saudi national team lost to Spain 4-0 in the second round, following a performance marked by clear defensive errors, which postponed the decision on qualification to the final match.

Facing Cape Verde is of utmost importance, as the Green team needs a victory to secure passage to the round of 32 and continue its journey in the 2026 World Cup.